Capsule: Located off the southwest coast of Florida near Fort Myers, Sanibel is a unique barrier island. Its east-west orientation sees an abundance of shells wash up onto its beautiful white-sand beaches. More than half of the island is a sanctuary for the wildlife that calls Sanibel home. Neighboring Captiva Island, connected to Sanibel by a bridge, is more laid back, and best known for the South Seas Plantation, a 330-acre tropical paradise at the northern end.

Waterfront Homes: Whether you're seeking to live directly on the Gulf, overlooking the bay, or on a canal, Sanibel and Captiva offer a wide choice of premier waterfront properties.

Gulf-front estates on Sanibel tend to be the grandest, but many prefer the views on the bay side -- which more frequently include Sanibel's wildlife. The premier properties on Captiva facing Roosevelt Channel are spectacular.

Golf and Tennis: Sanibel has three golf course communities: The Dunes and Beachview Golf and Country Clubs, and the Sanctuary at the Northwest tip of Sanibel. The only golf on Captiva is a 9-hole course at the South Seas Plantation.

Weather: Sanibel has a mild tropical climate, with average winter daytime high temperatures in the mid to high 70s. In the summer, the combination of tropical vegetation and cool ocean breezes makes the temperature feel cooler even when it is in the low 90s.

Culture: On Sanibel, the Southwest Florida Symphony performs concerts at Schein Performing Arts Hall at BIG Arts. Across the causeway in Fort Myers, you can discover history and art at Frizzell Cultural Centre or attend a theatrical presentation at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center.

Naples, just 30 minutes away, offers a full spectrum of art and music at the highly-acclaimed Philharmonic Center of the Arts. And in Sarasota to the north, you can enjoy the Sarasota Opera and Ballet.

For information about luxury real estate in Sanibel Island and the Realtors that can help you find the perfect Sanibel or Captiva Island home, please click here.